Yendys Nefer-Atum is a Barbadian born entrepreneur; the founder and owner of The Cowrie Shell Center for Natural Hair Care and Holistic Wellness Therapies in Bedford stuyvesant in Brooklyn, New York since 1991.

She divides her time between being a wife, mother of two adult daughters, full-time guardian to her 10 year old great nephew, teacher, professional natural hair care pioneer, certified holistic health
consultant, herbalist, natural product developer and healer with a
multi-cultural, spiritual perspective.Her
approach entails taking a full view of the constitution, condition, efficiency
and functional relationships of the body’s inter-related systems and the
impacts of nutrition and lifestyle choices. She has guided hundreds of men,
women and children in the art and science of Natural Living and Ethno-Medicine
(traditional medicine).She is an initiate of the Shrine of Ptah and Priestess of Life
and Healing in the Temple of Het-Heruuch for personal uses. In 2010, Yendys received The Ultimate Hairapy Award. This award honored her for exemplifying what it means to combine natural hair care services with a holistic lifestyle regimen, pampering the total individual.; an ancient Afrakan Order in New York
City. Yendys is also a Khametic (Egyptian) Priestess, belly dancer,
and wild foods expert.

Yendys is also a spiritual guide for women’s rites of
passage and has been in practice for over two decades following apprenticeship
with several Master Herbalists over a period of thirty years, studying under
the auspices of Priestess of Purification Queen Afua; founder of Global Sacred
Woman Village, author and bestseller of several books (Heal Thyself for Health and
Longevity and Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing The
Feminine Body, Mind and Spirit). Among her many mentors are Baaba Hru
Ankh Ra Semajh Se Ptah; Founder and Chief Priest of the Shrine of Ptah. In
2005, Yendys was certified by one of the world’s foremost authorities on health
and nutrition; Dr. Lliala Afrika.She is
currently a student of Mama Tioma Allison; a midwife and renowned wild foods
herbalist in New York City and Jamaica, West Indies. As a wilderness expert, Yendys guides herbal
walks and wild food tours in Prospect Park to educate anyone interested in the
benefits of wild plants and herbs and the identification of such for personal uses. In 2010, Yendys received The Ultimate Hairapy Award. This award honored her for exemplifying what it means to combine natural hair care services with a holistic lifestyle regimen, pampering the total individual.

In Spring 2012, Yendys was featured in Essence.com STREET STYLE for her fierce, unique, fun, and fabulous style in the Street. Eclectic cool accessories , bangles, feathers and African beaded bracelets. Mixing a variety of sizes in the same copper metal and colors in a fun way to make a statement and she does it effortlessly.Natural Hairstylist Yendys Nefer-Atum wears a red, white, black and orange reversible jacket by Tribal Truths Brenda Brunson-Bey (Google the name) with a lace top and tangerine skirt. Cultural adornments and Khametic jewels by Studio of Ptah www.soptah.com and hand-crafted rings from Sistaphye Kreations www.sistahphyre-ny.comYendys’ Ancient Blends plant-based product
line includes herbal teas for health and healing, also natural hair care and
body care rejuvenating formulas. Her line is available and shipped
internationally via her online store www.cowrieshell.com/productsand her center. She personally follows a holistic health, beauty and conscious
living style, as it relates to the connection between mind, body and spirit.

She believes that our bodies have the ability to heal itself
of any disease. This applies when we adhere to the rules of nature. To be able
to heal ourselves, ourbody needs the
support of basic spiritual one-ness, dietary and lifestyle health habits; such
as meditation, regular exercise,full
body detoxifying practices and a fundamental understanding and application of
nutrition.

In July 2014, Yendys received surprising news that her image was now moralized on the wall inside the new Gateway Mall, in Brooklyn. Apple Bee's restaurants customarily honors individuals in the community in which they open for business. Apple Bee's Mural: Honors Notables In Brooklyn Community. Step inside this new AppleBee's restaurant at GateWay Mall Shopping Center North, at 448 GateWay Drive Brooklyn, New York and you'll spot it immediately! Your's truly, Yendys Nefer-Atum right in the center of a huge ceiling-to-chair rail display, positioned in the centerpiece of the interior, an awesome photo collage representing our Brooklyn community!!!

Yendys' future goals entails her continuous strives forward to reach a wider more diverse audience, especially focusing on today's younger generation; to educate them about their hair as well as holistic health and wellness as it relates to their natural hair care practices. She is looking forward to more speaking engagements to share her passion for She aspires to bring her unique brand, three decades of natural (holistic) hair care knowledge, experience and healthy, plant based product line to the world."Healthy bodies do grow healthier hair." ~Yendys

“It isn't by getting out of the world that we become enlightened, but by getting into the world…by getting so tuned in that we can ride the waves of our existence and never get tossed because we become the waves.” ~ Ken Kesey

"I visited the Cowrie Shell Center and The experience for me was a combination of divine serenity and bliss... I was mesmerized and charged by the sweet scents of peacefulness upon entering Yendys' sacred space. The oasis left ME feeling pampered and cleanse, although I wasn't the one who was receiving the healing powers of her hands... This shows that the serenity of her oasis flows through all those who come in contact with her and her majestic space...! Tua for all the Merr... For your ancient mystique and therapeutic healing flows with abundance like the Nile River"~ Afro-Chic Au Natural Scott

"Having the most awesome time with Yendys- natural healer of the mind, body, spirit and hair. New York naturals, when considering you next hair appointment, visit Yendys...it'll blow you into the Astros." ~ Nicha Douglas

"Just had some of Yendy's new Healthier Hair Herbal Tea it was great!! You have to take care of your hair from the INSIDE OUT!!!"~ Elsiana Ma'at Jones

"Getting My Locs Twisted and Styled By The Best Natural Hair Care Specialist In The World!!!" — at The Cowrie Shell Center." ~ April Glasglow

"This siStar's posts and threads literally luminate peace, serenity, light and higher vibrational themes whenever I see them. So there was no way that I could miss recognizing my facebook friend Yendys Nefer-Atum in person."~ Beverly Bolden